Former Springboks World Cup winner BJ Botha believed Ireland's clash with South Africa on Saturday night lived up to the hype after a game of breathtaking intensity which many are calling the game of the tournament so far.
Andy Farrell’s number one ranked Ireland edge holders South Africa 13-8 on Saturday night and the former Munster and Ulster prop says that, despite the relatively low score, it was an epic clash between the two top teams in the world and a great advertisement for the game.
“There was a lot of hype and it more than lived up to it. It was always going to be a tight game because these are the two top teams in the world.” Botha said.
“It was like a fight between two heavyweight boxers. Both teams throwing punches, landing blows and trying to keep standing.
"Both sides searching for that one punch that would knock the other one of their feet. That’s what Ireland did, albeit South Africa got back on their feet and tried to recover but Ireland chipped away and kept their noses in front.
“There were some brutal collisions, and it was an incredibly physical and abrasive game.
"However, one of the most pleasing aspects was that 15 men remained on the field for both teams – no yellow or red cards which is great for the game.
"Both sides were hard but fair and it is such a great advertisement for the game of rugby.”
James Lowe réussit l'impossible : faire reculer Eben Etzebeth#RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/V65eCkOQkR
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Such was the drama, passion and intensity on show in Paris on Saturday night, it could have been a World Cup final.
However, neither side was perfect and there are areas which both sides will seek to improve as they progress in the tournament.
“Ireland’s lineout struggled, and they blew three or four attacking lineouts in the opening quarter, and it was a thorn in their side against the Boks,” said Botha.
“Ireland held it together in the scrum against a massive South African pack and got parity in that area most of the time.
“The battle between both sets of forwards in close quarters was epic and they were both so aggressive in contact and at the breakdown that they sort of cancelled each other out.”
“In retrospect, there were a couple of times when South Africa went for the posts when they could have taken a lineout because [South Africa fly-half Manie] Libbok was kicking well out of hand and getting good yardage.”
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There were a number of standout individual performances from both teams, but Botha reserves special praise for Ireland centre Bundee Aki and winger James Lowe for their contribution.
“Bundee Aki continued his unbelievable run of form and was obviously a key player in terms of breaking the gainline against the South African defence which was seeking to rush up and close down the space. He took in defenders and had a 50-metre run after breaking the line at one stage,” he said.
“Johnny Sexton was pivotal in terms of his organisation and distribution as usual.
“James Lowe brought great physicality to the game on the edges – he has that aggression that is needed to take on South Africa even picking up Eben Etzebeth at one stage – things like that are the pivotal moments which help shift momentum in a game.”
South Africa’s decision to go with seven forwards and just one back on the replacements bench was seen as controversial going into the game but Botha says it was worth the risk.
“There is a lot of discussion about the seven-one split and the ‘bomb squad’,” he said.
“It’s great to see something different and it got everyone talking. I think it is something they needed to try, and it was important to give it a go against quality opposition like Ireland in a pool game.
"I think it worked to a certain extent because the pack came on and they dominated a scrum which ultimately led to South Africa’s try from Cheslin Kolbe in the corner. I think it’s a tactic which can help with the process of adding a bit of fuel to the fire and it’s certainly interesting to watch the impact it has.”